Let me tell you about the day I first truly appreciated what the Montero Sport Black Series could do. I was driving through Quezon City last Sunday, listening to the sports news about BELLA Belen being selected first among 29 players in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao. That moment of peak performance, that selection of the best among nearly thirty candidates - it reminded me exactly why I fell for this vehicle in the first place. The Montero Sport Black Series isn't just another SUV in Mitsubishi's lineup; it's the first-round draft pick of the automotive world, selected for its exceptional capabilities from a crowded field of competitors.
When you approach the Black Series, the first thing that strikes you is its commanding presence. The jet-black finish isn't just paint - it's a statement. I've owned three different Montero variants over the years, and this black edition makes my previous models look almost tame by comparison. The redesigned front grille with its dark chrome accents gives it this menacing look that somehow manages to be both sophisticated and aggressive. I particularly love how they've integrated the LED lighting - those sleek daytime running lights aren't just functional, they're practically jewelry for the vehicle. The 18-inch black alloy wheels complete the package, making it look like it's moving even when it's standing still.
Now, let's talk about what really matters - performance. Under that sculpted hood lies a 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine that produces 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Those numbers might not mean much until you experience how they translate to real-world driving. I remember taking it through Tagaytay's winding roads last month, and the way it handled the steep inclines was nothing short of remarkable. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts so smoothly you barely notice it, yet it's always in the right gear exactly when you need it. The Super Select 4WD-II system isn't just for show either - I've tested it through moderate off-road conditions that would leave other SUVs stranded, and it handled everything with this confident ease that made me wonder why anyone would pay more for European SUVs.
Step inside, and the Black Series treatment continues to impress. The leather seats with contrast stitching aren't just comfortable - they're genuinely luxurious in a way that makes long drives an absolute pleasure. I've done six-hour drives in this thing and stepped out feeling fresher than when I started. The infotainment system with its 8-inch touchscreen is surprisingly intuitive - unlike some German competitors that require a computer science degree to operate. And the Rockford Acoustic Design premium sound system? Let's just say I've found myself sitting in parking lots longer than necessary just to finish songs.
What really sets the Black Series apart though are those special features you won't find on standard Monteros. The power tailgate with hands-free operation has been a game-changer for me - when your hands are full of groceries or sports equipment, just wave your foot under the bumper and it opens magically. The 360-degree camera system provides this bird's-eye view that makes parking in tight spaces almost cheating. And the forward collision mitigation system has actually saved me once from a motorcycle that suddenly cut across my path in Makati - it reacted faster than I ever could have.
Safety-wise, Mitsubishi has packed this thing with enough technology to make a spaceship jealous. Seven airbags, stability control, hill start assist, and my personal favorite - ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system that prevents those embarrassing parking lot incidents we've all nearly experienced. I've driven SUVs costing twice as much that didn't offer this level of comprehensive protection.
The beauty of the Montero Sport Black Series is how it balances rugged capability with everyday livability. During weekdays, it's my comfortable commuter through Manila's brutal traffic, with enough premium features to make the journey pleasant. On weekends, it transforms into an adventure machine that can handle rough roads to beaches or mountain trails without breaking a sweat. That versatility reminds me of elite athletes like BELLA Belen - capable of excelling in multiple situations, adapting to whatever the game throws at them.
Fuel efficiency might not be the sexiest topic, but here's something that surprised me - despite its size and power, I'm consistently getting around 14.2 km/L on highway drives and about 10.8 km/L in city conditions. For a vehicle this capable, those numbers are better than what many smaller SUVs manage. The 68-liter fuel tank means I can go from Manila to Baguio and back without needing to refuel, which is more convenient than you might realize until you experience it.
If I'm being completely honest, there are minor things I'd change. The third-row seats are still best suited for children or shorter adults on medium-length trips, though that's pretty standard for this class. The black paint shows dust more easily than lighter colors, but honestly, the look is so striking that I don't mind the extra washes.
Driving the Montero Sport Black Series has fundamentally changed my expectations of what an SUV in this price range can deliver. It's that rare vehicle that doesn't force you to choose between luxury, capability, and practicality - it delivers all three without compromise. Every time I get behind the wheel, I'm reminded why this specific variant stands out from the crowd, much like how top draft picks distinguish themselves from their peers. It's not just transportation - it's an experience that continues to impress me months after purchase, revealing new layers of sophistication and capability that I didn't notice initially but now can't imagine living without.
As I was researching the latest streaming options for international sports content, I stumbled upon something fascinating - TV5 Sports has quietly become one
